It’s common knowledge that obtaining a college degree has been a gateway to greater success in the professional world for many. In addition to improving your marketability and financial stability, there are other rewards associated with going to college that are sometimes overlooked. Beyond giving you the education and training you need to enter your chosen field, choosing to go to college can potentially improve your life in many other ways.

If you’ve been considering a college degree, you may reap some additional benefits:

Developing social relationships and skills
Interacting with people on a day-to-day basis is a significant part of college life. You’ll have the opportunity to meet people and make friends through clubs, classes, honor societies, athletic and recreational activities, and more. The experience of interacting with students from diverse backgrounds can also give you an increased appreciation of the world beyond your personal experience. After all, that’s what college is all about: improving your understanding of the world.

Learning to manage time and resources effectively
To excel in college, you’ll need to work hard. With multiple courses to balance at any given time, learning to properly manage your time and keep yourself on schedule is an extremely important skill. Strong time and resource management are indispensable in the workplace, no matter what industry you pursue after you graduate. These habits are also very useful in your personal life for keeping things organized.

Sense of accomplishment
Earning a college degree takes patience, hard work, and commitment. It’s not something to take lightly. However, for those who have the passion and drive to see the process through, walking across that graduation stage to receive your diploma is a very rewarding experience. Once you’ve completed your program, you’ll have a lot to be proud of and a great deal to look forward to as you enter the professional world.

For students who are the first in their family to earn a degree, the sense of accomplishment can be especially meaningful. Starting a family tradition can be inspirational for immediate family members and generations to come.

College grads often enjoy improved health and a better standard of living
Making new friends and improving life skills is one thing, but college education appears to help your lifestyle and health as well. According to recent studies, educated people aged 25 to 34 were far more likely to be exercising once a week. College graduates were also shown to be significantly more likely to vote and participate in volunteer work on a regular basis.

What’s more, the fuller lifestyle associated with college-level education seems to pass on to future generations. Studies by the College Board suggest that children of parents with a college education are significantly more likely to engage in regular educational activity with family members.

Broaden your horizons
A college education can make you a more experienced, well-rounded person. Higher education is about so much more than training to work in a specific industry—it’s also an opportunity to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and to discover things both about the world and about yourself. Students who take on a rigorous academic program and rise to the challenges can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be capable, confident citizens who lead fulfilling lives.

It’s clear that college offers the potential for rewards beyond career success and financial stability. It may not be for everyone, but those who seek a better life for themselves would be hard pressed to find a more reliable road than the one that leads through collegiate life. If you think you’re ready to make the leap and pursue a challenging academic degree, apply now to Berkeley College.

The views and/or opinions in this article are those of the individuals interviewed. The academic achievements and/or employment outcomes described in this article are specific to each individual and are not a guarantee of similar results for past or current students. For up-to-date and detailed information, please visit BerkeleyCollege.edu and view our catalogs at BerkeleyCollege.edu/publications.